Day 4: Daphne Grab's Top Ten!

There are so many books I love that it’s hard to pick just ten. But here goes, my 10 very favorite books are… :

FIFTEEN Beverly Cleary. This book is my number one inspiration for being a writer. I love how she uses quirky details, like the family cat being named “Sir Pss” that tell you so much about that family. I love her humor and how she handles painful things with a combination of lightness and the respect that they deserve. To me she is the master.

DAIRY QUEEN Catherine Gilbert Murdock. This one is all about the voice. It’s a terrific story and after spending time reading this book I feel like I know DJ and want to call her up to see what’s new in her life and if that bum Brian has gotten his act together yet.

THE COLOR PURPLE Alice Walker. This is one of the most powerful and moving stores. Ever

THE CATCHER IN THE RYE J.D Salinger. This book blows me away every time I read it. It’s the most searing and accurate portrayal of grief I’ve ever read and on top of that it manages to be wicked funny- no easy feat.

LONG MAY SHE REIGN Ellen Emerson White. I love all of EEW’s books- her humor rocks, I love her strong girl characters and her stories keep me on the edge of my seat til I hit the last page and want more. But this one gets the most love here today because it is the newest.

TWILIGHT series Stephenie Meyer. I love those vampires! And Bella! And the wolves! Count me on team Edward and I can’t wait for the finale!

THEY NEVER CAME HOME Lois Duncan. It’s hard to pick just one Lois Duncan but when pressed I go with this one. I’ve read it about a million times and I still get chills when we find out what really happened to Dan and Larry.

TYRELL Coe Booth. My friend Coe wrote this one and it blows me away. The voice is amazing and the story beautifully told.

GUYAHOLIC Carolyn Mackler. I love Carolyn Mackler and this one made me cry happy tears.

CUT Patricia McCormick. Beautiful, poignant and spare, this is one powerful read.